Environment and Sustainability, Passenger Rail

Yarra Trams reveals new tram stop design

E-Class Melbourne tram. Photo: Liam Davies

Melbourne tram operator Yarra Trams will build a new level access tram stop, and will upgrade infrastructure on the corner of Clarendon Street and Normanby Road in Southbank.

The operator has been working with Public Transport Victoria and the City of Melbourne on a revised design for the stop, with the aim of retaining and enhancing green space, while still modernising critical tram infrastructure.

Yarra Trams said the improvements to the stop’s design will help make the area safer, more attractive and accessible to all people.

The new design of the platform also includes a separate, third platform for the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant – a restaurant which operates a number of converted trams around tram routes through the city and inner suburbs.

The provision of a platform set aside for this service, Yarra Trams explained, “will reduce delays for Route 96 and 109 passengers”.

Tram upgrade diagram. Graphic: Yarra Trams
Graphic: Yarra Trams

Additionally, the new design features new trees along Whiteman Street, creating a parkland area which will protrude into the existing roadway, resulting in a net loss of 20 on-street parking spaces.

“Parking surveys have indicated that many motorists currently utilising these on-street spaces are not visiting abutting residents or businesses, but are seeking cheap, long term parking opportunities to visit to surrounding attractions,” Yarra Trams reasoned.

“These motorists will need to seek alternative parking opportunities further along Whiteman Street or in off-street paid car parking sites.”

Preparatory work will soon begin at the new stop, as part of the end-to-end upgrade of Route 96, Melbourne’s busiest.

Yarra Trams said the work is “critical to the ongoing improvement of the network”.

A large construction zone will be set up, and will cause disruptions around the area during the work, the operator warned.

Along with Public Transport Victoria, Yarra Trams will deliver the major work from January 3 to January 15 next year.